Hard work is required for democracy in Middle East: Bush

Sharm El-Sheik (Egypt), May 18: Addressing Middle East leaders at the World Economic Forum, US President George W Bush said on Sunday that if they want to advance democracy and civil liberties in their region, they will have to work hard.

"This region is home to energetic people, a powerful spirit of enterprise, and tremendous resources. It is capable of a very bright future, a future in which the Middle East is a place of innovation and discovery, driven by free men and women," he said.

His five-day Middle East trip was focused more on renewed promises, and was a bit of a lecture.

Bush presented the region's leaders with a long to-do list on Sunday diversify their economies, enact political reforms that move toward democratic governments, allow greater participation in society for women and young people, and push back against the negative influence of regimes like Iran and Syria.

"From diversifying your economies, to investing in your people, to extending the reach of freedom, nations across the region have an opportunity to move forward with bold and confident reforms, and lead the Middle East to its rightful place as a center of progress and achievement," Bush said.


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